The Walt Disney Company has long admired U.S. military service, dating back to founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, and their service to our country during World War I.
Throughout its 100-year history, the Walt Disney Company has been honored to continually celebrate military service and veterans. When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024, Disney will continue to salute the military in a very special way.
New Photos Dive into Tiana’s Dad James’ Military Backstory
In the film “The Princess and the Frog,” fans will recall that Tiana’s father, James, was a veteran of World World I. Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with their fellow storytellers at Disney Animation, used James’ service as inspiration and built upon his story inside the attraction.
Executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, Ted Robledo stated that his team was thrilled to be able to expand James’ story in a way that honored veterans. He shared that one of the things that makes Tiana so unique is how relatable her story is. Her mother was an entrepreneurial dressmaker, and her father was a decorated veteran.
“We looked for inspiration for how we could best expand on his backstory in a way that honored the military families who visit our parks,” said Ted. “In creating these photos for the attraction, we were inspired by real photos of soldiers who served during WWI to ensure we got it right.”
The photos that served as reference for the expanded backstory of James were those of soldiers who served in the 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. This unit was famous for its bravery and many members were awarded the distinguished Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for their valiant service in action.
Real Family Pride Shines Through This Imagineer Tribute
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure holds special significance for project lead Charita Carter, executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering. As the daughter of a career U.S. Air Force officer, being able to include a tribute to the military house inside this new attraction is very important to her.
“Growing up in a military family is a wonderful and challenging experience that we hoped to pay tribute to inside our newest attraction, even if in a small way,” said Charita.
“In this expanded story, you will see just how much Tiana is proud of her father and his military service… I know I am very proud of my family’s military service, including my father and sister.”
Disney Honors Service Members During National Military Appreciation Month
As Disney continues to recognize National Military Appreciation Month, a touching nod to all military heroes joins other tributes to veterans throughout Disney parks.
These include things like the daily flag retreat ceremonies, and the ferry boats sailing the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom named in honor of Navy and Army veterans who helped build the parks, and more.
Disney’s salute to military service members, veterans, and their families continues this summer with the debut of the President George W. Bush Portraits of Courage exhibit at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT beginning on June 9.
Disney is looking forward to welcoming the military athletes and their families participating in the 2024 DOD Warrior Games, returning to Walt Disney World June 21-30.
Glad that Disney is committed to honoring military service members, veterans, and their families?